I've always thought that not enough is made of the banks of the irwell. In most big cities that I can think of the river that goes through it is an integral part of the city. London, Paris, and Budapest are all built around the river rather than aside of it like Manchester. Granted they are much bigger cities but York utilisises the Ouse with Bars along it that seem to be busy when I've been.
Even the canals could be used as focal points a bit better. Canal street is a thriving area possibly due to the gay scene but I think it being along the canal helps. Deansgate locks and castlefield as well to a lesser extent
People like to be next to water I suppose.
We have plenty of river and canal area that could be commercialised better.
Other than that I've often thought of a gimmick that people would associate the city with. Say pink taxis. Everyone would associate pink taxis with out city and that just builds the "brand". That doesnt necessarily make the city better but distinguishes it and people want be associated with unique.
Not that we aren't unique. "This is the place" poem tells that perfectly.
